'Music Man' kicks off Rivertown's 2018-19 theater season

PROVIDED PHOTO BY JOHN BARRIOS

The cast of 'Million Dollar Quartet' performs 'Let's Have a Party' at Rivertown.

ADVOCATE STAFF REPORT

Jan 9, 2018 - 2:00 pm

Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts announced its 2019-19 lineup at its annual season reveal and fundraiser Saturday, Jan. 6: seven productions that include Broadway hits, a local satire and musical revue, and a comedy.

"This is local theatrical entertainment at its best," said Kelly Fouchi, co-artistic and managing director. "Our diverse season offers a variety of shows for all ages of theatergoers.”

Shows for the 2018-19 season are:

"The Music Man"

Sept. 14-30, directed by Kelly Fouchi

The fast-talking Harold Hill and his cast of colorful Iowans lead the way in Meredith Willson’s "The Music Man." Look for the Wells Fargo Wagon along with 76 trombones, a lovely librarian and classic songs and dance. Described "as American as apple pie" by The New York Times, this American classic is a six-time, Tony Award winning musical comedy that has been entertaining audiences since 1957.

"Gone Pecans!"

Nov. 2-18, directed by Ricky Graham

A musical and comedic celebration of the New Orleans tricentennial marks "300 nutty years of New Orlean"s with the creators of "Ditzyland," "Steel Poinsettias" and "Hello Dawlin.'" This original, locally written main stage musical stars Ricky Graham, Sean Patterson, Varla Jean Merman and Jefferson Turner, with a singing/dancing ensemble and a swinging band, as they enact their comic alternative facts about the City That Care Forgot. Surprise local celebrities round out the cast each night with a special variety show throwback.

"Let it Snow!"

Dec. 7-23, directed by Rich Arnold

The Big Easy Boys & Babes present a mix of holiday standards and classic hits featuring the Boys’ signature blend of tight harmonies, slick dance moves, and a live big band orchestra.

"Greater Tuna"

Jan. 11-27, 2019, directed by Gary Rucker and Sean Patterson

"Greater Tuna" is a hilarious and irreverent comedy about Texas’ third smallest town, where the Lion’s Club is too liberal and Patsy Cline never dies. The eclectic band of Tuna residents — men, women, children and animals — are portrayed by only two performers, making this satire on life in rural America both crazy and delightful as they change characters and costumes at breakneck speed.

"Into The Woods"

March 15-31, 2019, directed by Gary Rucker

What happens to your favorite fairytale characters before and after the words “happily ever after”? James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim’s masterpiece skillfully twists storybook tales and brings the characters together for a timeless piece, with a Tony Award-winning book and score.

"Me & My Girl"

May 3-19, 2019

This multiple Tony- and Olivier-award-winning show whisks the audience back to the glittering 1930s, where the aristocratic Hareford family is seeking the heir to the title of Earl. When Bill Snibson, a common-as-muck Lambeth cockney, turns out to be the long lost earl, chaos ensues.